US director Ron Howard takes on world of F1

In this file picture taken March 25, 2012, US film director Ron Howard arrives at the Jameson Empire Film Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London. Award-winning American director Ron Howard believes his new film "Rush", inspired by the dramatic 1976 Formula One duel between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, will appeal to more than just Grand Prix fans. -- PHOTO: AFP

AUSTIN, Texas (AFP) - Award-winning American director Ron Howard believes his new film Rush, inspired by the dramatic 1976 Formula One duel between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, will appeal to more than just Grand Prix fans.

Howard, the man behind Apollo 13, Frost/Nixon and The Da Vinci Code, told AFP at the recent US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, that production was "95 per cent" complete and that "early test screenings were going very well" in what is the 58-year-old's first foray into the arena of motor racing.

The 1976 campaign was overshadowed by Lauda's serious crash at the German Grand Prix, in which he suffered severe burns, only to make a remarkable comeback six weeks later in the hope of retaining his crown.

The Austrian great was ultimately pipped to the title by the flamboyant British driver Hunt, losing by a single point after retiring early from the season's final race due to safety concerns.